The week passed quickly after the Hogsmeade trip and the two head students
went on with their daily lives. Draco terrorized first years and had his
secret nightly meetings with Pansy and Hermione did her schoolwork and on
occasion visited Harry and Ron in the Gryffindor common room. Draco and
Hermione had not seen much of each other however... it was usually in the
morning where one would run for the bathroom and the other would end up
swearing or leaving for the common room. It was tradition now... Draco even
had to get up at 5:30 once to claim the bathroom first, and that was the
only time he won over her. He decided 5:30 was much too early however and
decided he would just have to run to the bathroom and enter much more
quickly than her. He actually laid out his belongings to take into the
bathroom on the dresser near the entrance of his room... a quick grab and
out the door... swiftly into the bathroom, locking Hermione out. It worked
only a few times however.
The two had not nearly spoken as much either. Hermione usually resorted to the library for homework and studying. Draco knew that this was because she was attempting to stay away from him.
Potion's had been the usual. Blaise was not an ardent potion's student... he spent most of his time terrorizing Hermione. After what had happened in the hall the day the love potion's were made, Draco and Blaise's friendship was on a fine line between enemies and mutual friends. Draco apologized to Blaise and he had accepted. Hermione did not see the advantages of that on her part. She felt even more vulnerable to Blaise's intent gazes without Draco's protection. She knew Draco had backed off and was in no mood to protect her.
Fortunately, Hermione's first few tutoring lessons with Blaise were supervised by Professor Snape who sat at his desk diligently failing Gryffindors and praising the Slytherins in their foot-long essays on the growth potion. Blaise still tried to make moves on her but it always ended up with Hermione kicking him in places he really did not want to be harmed. She knew one of these days Professor Snape would not be there to supervise and did not know what would happen then. Even if she went to Snape about her dilemma, he would dismiss it as a lazy excuse for getting out of a tutoring job. Blaise didn't even need any tutoring. He was very careless and did not take heed to anything, but he was still very skilled in the class and could easily pass without even studying. Hermione knew it was a waste of her time and just Blaise's excuse to annoy her even more.
Finally Monday had arrived and Draco and Hermione began to look forward to her first Animagus training. It was also the first time she would probably be speaking to Draco after a week of ignoring him... it would certainly be interesting.
Hermione had not exactly missed Draco... but she did definitely missed their bickering. It was as if she was used to it by now, and not having it anymore felt strange. Much to her denial... she missed the feel of his hands on her back and his surprisingly soft lips on her small neck. If the thought even swam up into her brain... she immediately drowned it and tried not to think of it.
Draco, however, had taken refuge with Pansy. He convinced himself that Pansy was able to fulfill the growing abyss that lay in his soul. He felt it... there was definitely something missing. He knew it was the Gryffindor girl that slept across the hall from him that could fulfill it, but again... he was in denial. Sometimes, he would catch himself staring at her in Transfiguration... it was unnerving actually. He didn't want to feel these things. He started to believe it was just a phase that would soon be over by Christmas...
Hermione awoke around 6 AM that morning and looked towards the french doors. She slipped out of the velvet covers that managed to get her lost in the bed and snuggled her feet in the fuzzy red slippers that Ron had given her for her birthday and walked towards the french doors. Opening the doors, she felt a cool breeze hit her face. It was a nice eye opener actually. She heard a door slam from the hall... Draco had claimed the bathroom. However, she wasn't too concerned with that. She walked out onto the balcony and put her hands on the banister. The sky was split into a few color schemes. Pink, gold, and purple brilliantly painted the morning sky. It was definitely a sight to see. The pink color of the sky faded into the glistening lake that lay beneath her tower. The air was extremely chilly and Hermione decided to go back inside. After picking out a new set of robes, Hermione headed for the bathroom. Hermione knocked on the bathroom door...
"Are you done yet??"
No reply... she knocked harder...
"Hello?"
"Dammit Granger, I'm showering, leave me alone..."
"You take forever..."
"Deal with it dirty blood"
"Didn't we have some sort of deal that prohibited you from saying things like that..."
"We agreed that I was not allowed to say Mudblood... I said dirty blood. Leave now... so I can enjoy the rest of my shower..."
Hermione crossed her arms together and audibly whispered...
"Insufferable bouncing little ferret..."
"I heard that...!"
Hermione heard the shower head turn off. Two minutes later, Draco walked out. Hermione looked at him up and down. Towel... wet... usual.
"You know your usual morning attire is getting quite old..."
"I do this just for you Granger... you know you like it" with that Draco winked.
She did... but he didn't have to know that...
"By the way thanks for noticing" Draco added in
He held out his arm and flexed.
"Ahh all those years of Quidditch...."
"You are so stupid"
"No I'm sexy" Draco said with a sly grin.
Hermione slapped him in the stomach with her toiletry bag. Draco doubled over...
"What was that for??"
"Your head blew up... and I needed to deflate it. You'll thank me later"
Draco scowled at her remark and left for his room, leaving Hermione to the bathroom. Hermione took a quick hot shower to fully awaken her. She quickly got dressed and headed for the common room.
The sun had fully risen and Hermione was sure it would be a nice sunny day. Well, at least the sun would make up for the chill that swept the halls of the schools. Hermione approached the common room and looked around... Draco had already left. Suddenly a low grumble was heard from her stomach and she felt that she needed to get to the Great Hall as fast as she could.
She climbed out of the portrait hole and quickly descended towards the Great Hall. The halls were a bit quiet and quite chilly... it was a bit unusual. Maybe she was later than usual.... Suddenly a pair or cold, hard hands grabbed her from the waist and pulled her into a crevice as she gasped. The person who had grabbed her wheeled her around and she realized that she was face to face with Blaise.
"Zabini let me go!"
"All alone... with a Gryffindor Mudblood... my dreams have come true"
Hermione struggled to get out of his grasp but it was useless...
"Snape nor Malfoy are here to save you Granger... you owe me a kiss..."
"I owe you nothing you prat!" She said as she punched his arm.
Blaise squeezed Hermione's arm and a sound of pain issued from her mouth. He had dug his hands into her arm. He quickly leaned in and kissed her hard on the mouth. Hermione tried to push him away but again it was completely useless..... but she then realized that she had other body parts available in her defense. Hermione lifted her leg and kneed Blaise between his legs as hard as she could. Blaise bent over and his face turned a bright shade of beet red. Blaise let go of Hermione and she was able to set herself free.
Her lips were a great shade of blood red. The kiss was so hard that it had cut her mouth from the inside with her teeth. She tasted the blood and anxiety and hurt ran through her mind. How was she going to survive this year with Blaise, Draco, and Harry on top of it? Tears slipped from Hermione's eyes... she sobbed as she aimlessly ran through the hallways.
Hermione was completely lost in her thoughts as she applied pressure to her lip and ran through the endless halls. Suddenly she felt herself run into someone and she was almost knocked off her feet until a pair of strong hands grabbed her from the back. Hermione looked up and saw a shot of steely gray eyes and almost white-blonde hair. She looked into his eyes. They had a glint of concern as he intently looked down at her. His hair fell into his eyes.
Draco looked into her fearful, big, brown eyes. They were glossy as she had been crying. She was still crying and he saw a tear trail down her cheek from her eyes. Her delicate lips were bright red and were tainted with a small cut. Draco let Hermione go. He felt an odd sensation creep up and he noticed how uncomfortable it was to be so near Hermione.
"What's wrong??"
Hermione tried to find the words... but she couldn't
"Who did this?" Draco said as he lifted his hand to touch Hermione's lips.
Hermione looked down to her feet. Tears slipped from her eyes. And then Draco realized. Only one person could make Hermione feel this uncomfortable and make her cry... Blaise.
Fire burned in Draco's heart. He felt like... like smashing Blaise's face in. But Draco had learned to control his emotions... he could not let things get out of hand like the last encounter they had. People would start to talk. Draco quickly grabbed Hermione's arm and started to head for their common room. It would be awkward to stand in that hallway and talk.
Draco and Hermione entered the common room and he led her over to the fireplace. Hermione had stopped crying by now but her rosy cheeks was streaked with tears. Draco looked at her face and searched it with his eyes. Hermione looked back and wondered with curiosity why he had brought her here. Classes would be starting...
Draco knew he couldn't hide it anymore, but he had to... The thought swirled in his mind as he looked into her deep brown eyes. The hurt she must have been going through bewildered his mind. She wasn't like the other girls. She actually cared, was so intelligent, and the most beautiful woman ever. Draco lifted his hand and traced her jaw line with his finger. He studied her features with precision. Her skin was soft beneath his hands and he felt a trail of goose bumps form on Hermione's skin.
Hermione shivered as he gently touched her. His eyes wandered across her face as she looked into his eyes. The hint of malice and hatred had disappeared and discontent and awe surfaced. He was worried... and she could see it. But why was he so worried about her?
It had been too long... a week in fact... he needed to hold her close...
Draco slowly leaned in to capture her lips with his. Hermione felt the anticipation build up as his lips touched hers. Draco took Hermione's face into his hands and gently kissed her, her hands trailed over his chest and around his neck. Draco deepened the kiss and ran his hands through her soft brown curls. The taste of her lips... and the feel of her closeness to him, it was as if everything had vanished. All that mattered was that she was in his arms, close to him, like never before. He had never felt this way about anyone before...
Goose bumps ran down Hermione's body as Draco kissed her. She intently kissed him back. This was her enemy, the boy she purely hated... the boy who made fun of her... everything about her. But he was kissing her too... as if...
...as if... he loved her.
Hermione gently pulled away from Draco....
"Why do you do this to me?" she breathed out loud
"I don't know..." Draco said as he whispered into her ear.
Something had hit Hermione... years of pain and hurt flashed through her mind as she looked up into his grey eyes. She abruptly pushed him away. Draco looked into to the spot where she was... dazed and confused. He looked up...
"What did I do wrong?"
"Everything..."
"What...?"
"What is this Malfoy? ....What are we doing? Why are you kissing me?"
"I... I don't know"
"You should. You're not supposed to even like me! You hate everything about me. I'm a Mudblood, a know-it-all, best friends with your worst enemy. What are you doing here kissing me like that?"
Draco looked down, not sure of what words to present to her. It had been a question that had run through his mind over and over again... but always left unanswered and came back asking for the answer once again.
Everything came back to him... everything he was supposed to stand for. His father, mother, his friends... everything. What was he doing? Did he actually like her? And then it hit him...
"You're right... I shouldn't be kissing you like I actually mean it. I DON'T mean it. It's all a mistake. You mean NOTHING to me. You are a hypocrite, know-it-all, and a filthy little Mudblood who doesn't deserve to be in my presence." He said as he laughed with malice. Trying to hide the hurt that glinted in his eyes as he said those words were so hard.. He wished he didn't say them as he watched a tear slip from Hermione's eyes and down her cheek.
"How dare you?" Hermione whispered. Her voice shook... She felt so hurt, so vulnerable. It hit her heart as she heard those words come from his mouth. She felt herself break into tiny pieces. She choked back a sob as she ran past Draco to her room.
He stood there a moment. Letting the words sink in. He couldn't believe he had said it. What was he thinking? Draco decided that he would skip his next class... he needed to resolve this. A Malfoy never left a problem alone... especially one like this.
He trekked up the stairs as he heard her door slam from above. He approached the door with caution and slowly entered. Hermione was curled up on her bed. He could hear great sobs heave from her chest. It had hit her hard... he didn't even mean it.
"Granger I..."
"Get out!"
Draco walked closer to the bed and sat down next to her. Not sure of what to say he lifted his hand and brushed away her hair. Her eyes were red from the crying.
"I didn't mean it... I'm sorry..."
"Draco Malfoy is apologizing to me?
"Granger I'm rightfully apologizing so shut up"
"You've apologized enough Malfoy, I don't need anymore because I know they won't mean anything in the end"
Draco took hold of Hermione's arm and pulled her up and positioned her so that she was facing him. Her face was hidden from her curly hair and she sobbed and sniffled. He lifted her hair out of her eyes.
"Hermione?"
He had said her name... it was so strange... but it was perfect.
"I'm sorry..." She looked into his eyes and saw the truth.
He leaned in and softly kissed her forehead. He moved down to her wet eyes and kissed them gently. Tears lay on his lips. He tenderly kissed her cheeks a few times. He stopped over her lips and hovered for a moment. He studied her face... her eyes were closed waiting for the kiss. He closed his eyes as well and kissed her lips. Her lips were warm and her face was wet from the tears. He could have lived in her arms if he could. He felt secure...
Draco gently lay Hermione down on the bed. She pulled her arms over his neck and Draco moved his hands to her waist. He hugged her as he kissed her. Hermione broke the kiss and pulled over to his side from underneath him. She lay her head on his chest. Draco pulled the covers from under himself and Hermione. He covered themselves with the velvety blanket and wrapped his arms around her so that she was secure. Hermione snuggled in closer to Draco. She could feel his chest move up and down... absentmindedly she counted his heartbeat. Draco stroked her hair for a while after that and quietly kissed her forehead... her breathing became steady. He looked down and she was in a peaceful state of sleep. Draco took hold of her hand and closed his eyes...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
A few hours had passed when Draco opened his eyes. He looked to the clock that was the right of him... they had missed two classes. There would be some explaining to do for sure...
He focused his eyes so that he could see straight... and felt someone on him. He looked down and saw a hand on his chest. It was pearly white and small...Hermione. He looked to her face and she was fast asleep. Her curls spread out before her. "Granger?..." He shook her.
"Granger wake up."
"Who..."
"We missed two classes"
Hermione shot upright and awake.
"We did WHAT?"
"Don't worry it's just two classes."
"What do you mean it's just two classes? We can't go skipping classes. It's not right. We are supposed to set an example!"
"Calm down Granger, you take things so seriously. One of these days you'll work your self to the brink of utter exhaustion."
Draco looked down. The two were still in the bed and under the covers. He felt Hermione's leg on his. Her hand still lay in his. They both looked up. It was an extremely awkward position. Draco immediately got up from the bed and straightened out his robes.
"We must have fallen asleep..."
"Smart Granger"
Hermione jumped out of bed and straightened her appearance.
"Um..." Hermione began.
"We should head for Care of Magical Creatures."
"You're right..."
With that Draco followed Hermione out the door and down to the common room.
"What will we tell them?" Hermione said.
"Excuse me?"
"I mean... we missed three classes. Our friends are probably wondering where we are. And watching the both of us walk in together... won't it be a bit weird?"
"Well I will say that I needed to lie down, and you can say that you needed to talk to McGonagall about something. Is that good?"
"Yes, I suppose"
Draco and Hermione headed for the portrait hole and climbed out. As they climbed out, they bumped into someone unexpectedly. It was Harry.
"Hermione! We've been looking all over for you between classes. Where have you been?"
"I... I was talking to McGonagall..."
"Oh I see... we should get a move on, we have Hagrid next" Harry said as he pushed in a stealthy glance towards Draco.
"And where have you been Malfoy, you haven't been to classes either..."
"Even though it is none of your business, I was taking a nap... didn't feel the need to go to classes." Draco said as he glared at Harry. Harry returned the gesture. Hermione felt very uncomfortable... she immediately broke the silence.
"Common Harry, let's go" She said as she grabbed his arm.
They walked towards the doors... Hermione looked back to see if Draco was following. He wasn't, instead he was looking back at her. He gave her a reassuring smile. Hermione blushed...
"Umm Hermione?"
"Yes Harry?"
"I have something for you..."
He stopped her as they neared the doors. Harry pulled out a velvet box and opened it up. Inside lay a delicate silver chain. The pendant was a silvery/pink rose with a small diamond in the middle.
"Oh... Harry..."
"If you don't like it, I can easily get you something else"
"No, no I love it... I just don't think you should have done this for me"
"No, I really should have. I love you."
A lump grew in Hermione's throat... the sound of those words were so unusual, especially since they were being presented to her. Harry took the necklace out and turned Hermione around. He pushed her hair back and clasped the two ends together. Hermione turned around as she touched the necklace. Harry bent down and gently kissed her cheek. As he kissed her cheek, Hermione felt someone come towards them.
"Hello Hermione... Harry" a girl with red hair said.
"Oh Ginny, how are you?" Harry replied to Ginny with a bright smile upon his face.
"Umm... I'm fine I guess" apprehension apparent on her face.
Hermione looked down the hallway and saw Draco walking up to the three Gryffindors. He had apparently waited so that he could keep a distance from Hermione and Harry. He approached them and began to speak.
"Oh, look at the merry little Gryffindors... having a nice time? A pauper, a egotistical hero, and a..." but the words couldn't come out. He could not say Mudblood. Instead he looked at her face with curiosity. What was she doing to him? Trying to ruin him?
"Oh go away Malfoy, we really don't need to deal with you right now"
"Weasley... keep your mouth shut, it's not lady like. But then again, no Weasley is a lady. Just look at your mother."
Ginny almost plunged into him before Harry grabbed her by the arms.
"No Gin, let's go... he's not worth it"
"You're right... he isn't" Ginny said as she looked up to Harry. The two of them set off for Hagrid's hut.
"You shouldn't do that Malfoy."
"Do what? I didn't say anything to you"
"No, besides me... you shouldn't even insult others. It hurts them... like it hurt me"
Draco averted his eyes from Hermione. He didn't want to be hypnotized by her brown eyes. He would end up wanting her even more... and in the middle of Hogwarts hallways... well that wasn't very smart. He looked to her neck. "I see he's given you a necklace?"
Hermione touched the rose pendant.
"Yes... he did"
Draco stepped in closer and took hold of it.
"Good taste... but I can do better..."
"What?"
"Does that Weasley girl like Pothead?" Draco said as he glanced over Hermione's shoulder. He watched Ginny and Harry walk towards the hut.
"No... she's over him. Why?"
"I don't think she is"
"And how should you know Malfoy? You barely know her. You're not right in everything you know" she said as she laughed.
"Didn't you see the look on her face when he... he kissed you? She's hiding it. I know how to recognize if a person likes someone or not."
"Oh I see, so can you see if I like you?"
Draco looked at Hermione...
"Everyone loves Draco Malfoy Granger..."
"Oh, is that so."
"Yes it is. And you especially."
"I do not think..."
But Draco moved swiftly past her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
The day passed unusually quickly. It was a sunny day but it turned out to be a dreary rainy one. It was after dinner and Draco had just had his Animagus training. They had just gone over rules and guidelines to becoming an Animagus. They would be registered once they had gone through necessary testing procedures.
Draco sat in the library. His feet propped up on the table. He read from a book that he had grabbed off the wall. He really had no purpose here, but was extremely bored and couldn't take any more of Crabbe and Goyle's stupidity.
As he read the book, he heard someone to the right of him walking through the aisle of books. It was Ginny Weasley. She looked a bit frustrated while looking for a book.
Draco would have fun with this... he got up and walked over to her. He wanted to investigate.
"What are you looking for Weasley?"
Ginny jumped up and looked at him.
"What someone usually looks for in a library... a book"
"Smart... smart. What book are you looking for?"
"Why do you care?"
"Just tell me and I'll get it for you."
"Quidditch through the ages volume three. Harry wanted it. I said I would get it for him"
Draco smirked. She really did have a think for that Potter kid. He looked to the other end of the aisle and pulled out a gold and black leather bound book He handed it to her. She looked at the book apprehensively.
"And why are you helping me?"
"Maybe I want to turn a new leaf..."
"I highly doubt that."
Ginny grabbed the book from Draco's hands and sat down in the nearest chair and opened up the book. She grabbed a few book markers from her bag. Draco walked over to the other side of the table and decided to sit down as well. After a few moments, Ginny looked up to see Draco staring at her... like he was trying to examine her innermost thoughts.
"What ... do you want?"
"I want to ask you a personal question"
"What?" Ginny was so confused... what the hell was he up to?
"You know Harry Pothead?"
"Potter..."
"Pothead."
Ginny slammed the book shut. "Malfoy what do you want. I want to read this in peace and when you start to insult my friends..."
"You mean crush"
"What?"
"You like Harry Potter."
"No I do not" Her face began to turn red.
"Yes you do"
"And why do you think I like Harry Potter. You don't even know me"
"I can see it when you look at him. It's obvious."
Ginny sat up. She had turned bright red.
"You are so annoying Malfoy..."
"Wait, wait. Don't leave. I know you like him and I can help you."
"Why would I ever want help from an annoying little Slytherin git like you?"
"Because I'm in the same position that you are in as well..."
"What?"
"That's right.... sit down. We can talk."
Ginny slowly sat back down. She kept her eyes on Malfoy... wondering what he was up to.
"And how are you in the same position as I am in?"
"Because you're precious Potter is in love with someone that I am involved with..." Draco could never say he was in love with Hermione... because he wasn't. Was he?
"Hermione...? Why would you ever be interested in Hermione?" Ginny whispered.
Draco broke his gaze away from Ginny's icy blue eyes. He got up from where he was sitting and walked towards the window that overlooked the Quidditch field. He saw Gryffindors swooping up and down the field in the twilight. The grounds had been enchanted to shower in light onto the Quidditch field. He saw a lone girl standing near the benches. She had bushy hair and was watching as the broomsticks soared above.
"How should I know"
"Is this some kind of a joke Malfoy?"
"NO... no it's not a joke. It's more than that." he balled his hand into a fist, not sure of what to say next.
"When I see him with her... I get..."
"What? Jealous?" Ginny answered for him.
"He already has her, why does he have to love her?"
"Do you... Love her?"
"NO... no. Well, at least I don't think so."
Ginny sat back down. Draco watched as she did this and sat down across from her as well.
"Why do you think I like Harry?"
"Because I saw the look on your face when you caught Harry kissing Hermione."
Ginny face turned a shade that was beginning to share the same color as her hair.
"So what if I like him..."
"We can help each other... if that's possible."
"How? Harry loves her. He barely even notices me..."
"We can fix that."
"How though?"
"You ask too many questions Weasley. We will think of something. In that mean time... you won't tell ANYONE that this conversation ever happened. To everyone else... I hate Hermione. You are the only one that knows how I feel. No one will know."
"Fine. But you can't tell anyone that I have feelings for Harry. If you spill it, then I will tell everyone that you like Hermione."
"Deal."
They shook hands. Ginny grabbed her bag and book and left. Draco walked towards the window again and looked out. It had started raining... the Gryffindor team started to land and gather up their things. He saw Hermione grabbing her things. An idea hit Draco suddenly.... and he bolted for the door. He wanted to see her before she came inside where the scrutiny lie. He needed to see her... he the feeling of her laying beside him. It was an burning desire...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
The rain began to hit hard on Hermione's face. She covered her face with her robes... by the time she would get inside her hair would be extremely puffy and frizzy. She watched as the Gryffindor team walk into the locker rooms. The girls on the team ran while the guys plucked out piece of grass and began to throw them at each other. Ron had grabbed Harry's glasses and put them on his head and was laughing like a maniac. Harry started swearing at Ron as Ron led Harry into the locker room. Finally they made it into the locker room. Hermione laughed out loud as she passed the seating area. She looked beneath the steps... it was dark and Hermione couldn't see anything. Spooked she began to walk past it, but suddenly a pair of hands grabbed her arms and pulled her in. She shrieked out loud until a wet hand was placed gently over her mouth. She looked up to the person that had startled her... it was Draco. His eyes looked down upon her as he held her close. His eyelashes were adorned with raindrops.
"Granger... it's me..."
"Malfoy... what do you think you're doing."
From the locker room, Hermione heard the door open. Harry stepped out half dressed to see who had screamed. Ron followed out.
"What's wrong Harry?" Hermione heard Ron say.
"Nothing... I just thought I heard someone screaming..."
"You hear a lot strange things mate that other people can't hear... you'd better get used to it..."
Hermione saw Harry slap Ron across the head and the door closed behind them. She looked back to Draco who still had his arms around her. His hair was a darker shade of blonde... he was soaked.
"I have to show you something..."
"Malfoy, it's raining. Why can't you pick another day?"
"No I have to show you now."
Draco grabbed Hermione's hand and took her away from the shelter that the Bleachers had provided. She felt the cold rain pour down onto her face. She pulled the lapels of her cloak tight around her neck. She realized that they were heading for the forbidden forest.
"We're not going in there are we?"
"Yes but not far in..."
"Malfoy it's almost till curfew. We'll get into trouble."
"Granger... we make the rules. We can be out as late as possible."
"Well we aren't exactly allowed to take advantage of that..."
Draco pulled Hermione into the forest.
"It's so cold..." Hermione whispered as they walked along the path... and then off.
"Malfoy we'll get lost... where are you taking me??"
"Close your eyes."
"In the forbidden forest? No!"
"Just do it."
"Why should I?"
"Trust me..." Hermione looked up at Draco and decided that he really wouldn't lead her into danger. She cautiously closed her eyes. Draco gently took a hold of Hermione's hand. He liked the feel of her hand in his... her hand was soft, small, and delicate. It fit perfectly into his own.
Hermione was led deeper into the forest for a few more minutes until Draco had abruptly stopped. It was still raining... but not as hard...
"Can I open my eyes now?"
"Yes..."
Draco let go of Hermione's hand as she opened her eyes. All around her were Jasmine's planted beneath her feet. The sweet smell filled her nose. She looked above and a clearing had been made. The stars glistened above and the moon smiled back down.
"Malfoy how did you find this place?" Hermione whispered.
"I had detention once for umm... doing unlawful activities in the Charms classroom... and I was sentenced to pluck Jasmines for Snape's potion making.
"Why did you bring me here?"
"I thought that maybe you would appreciate it. Not many girls care...." Draco said as he stepped in closer. The rain had stopped now... and a faint light from the moon shown onto them.
He moved in even closer and lifted his hand to brush away a lock of hair that fell into Hermione's eyes. He traced her jawline with his finger leaving a trail of goose bumps. He let his hand wander over her neck. He felt her soft, milky white skin beneath his fingers. Draco let his hand rest in the back of Hermione's neck. He gently pulled her into his arms and lay his lips upon hers.
Draco kissed Hermione intently. He drank her in. Hermione did not resist but she let her hands wander over his chest and she ran her fingers through his blonde locks. Without breaking the kiss he kneeled down, bringing her with him, and then lay down onto the bed of Jasmines. Draco lay his hands on her waist and they wandered over her stomach. His hands entangled themselves in her hair. He opened his mouth to intensify the kiss... he wanted her like this forever... no... he needed her or he would die.
Hermione let her hands hold onto Draco's robes and his hair for support as he kissed her. She felt limp and helpless. His lips wandered over hers and she felt a tingle shoot through her body. She pulled him onto her closer... not wanting an space between them. Draco's hands dropped down to the clasp of her robes... he undid them. He let his hands wander over her shirt and let them slip underneath the cotton fabric. Draco felt her skin upon his hand. A new sensation had arisen inside of him. His hand moved up across her stomach. He broke the kiss and began to trail down the side of her face and to her neck. Draco moaned audibly as he kissed Hermione beneath the ear. Hermione had never felt this way before... she began to get very hot and out of breath. The feel of his lips on her neck was just too much.
But before Draco's hand wandered above, Hermione stopped it with her own. He looked at her as she did this... wondering if he had done anything wrong. He realized then that this was Hermione... she was not ready for this. He removed his hand from underneath her shirt. He needed her so much... he needed to satisfy this erotic feeling that was pounding in his brain... and other places as well... but he was willing to wait.
"I'm sorry..." Hermione whispered... tears trailing down her cheeks.
"No... it's okay." Draco said as he wiped away her tears. He kissed her forehead and got up, pulling her into a sitting position as well. She looked down at the flowers beneath her as the continued on in silence. Draco took Hermione's hand.
"Hermione?"
"I'm... I'm just not ready. I don't even know what we are?"
"I know."
"You're not mad at me are you?'
Even though Draco would have liked it if he could have gone on... it would have definitely fulfilled his erotic feelings... but forcing her to do something she was not ready for was wrong in his eyes, especially since this was Hermione. He then began to wonder, had he ever done that before with a girl? Had he actually ever waited? Why was he doing this for her? Why hadn't he just done it?
"No I'm not mad Hermione..."
Hermione looked back down and began to play at the hem of her skirt. She sniffled. Draco could sense that she was relieved
"You keep saying my name?"
"I know..."
"We should get back... Draco..."
Draco looked at Hermione. She stole a furtive glance towards him as well. She looked cold as she shivered.... Draco took off her robe for her, since it was soaking wet. He then took off his own robe and pulled off his jumper which had been enchanted to stay dry during the rain. He gently slipped the jumper onto Hermione...
"Thank you..."
Draco plucked a blooming Jasmine from the ground. He ran the flower along her cheeks and jawline. Hermione closed her eyes as he did this. He kissed here cheek... and placed the Jasmine in her wet hair behind her ear.
Draco then stood up and held out a hand for Hermione... she accepted and he led her back towards the castle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
The journey towards the common room had been silent, but it wasn't an awkward silence. It was one that was meant to be there.
The two students headed for their rooms... The two exchanged goodnights and entered their rooms.
Draco lay on his bed wondering what would have happened if Hermione would have let him go on. The thought of what would happen made Draco grin widely.
Hermione got ready for bed as she slipped on her pajamas. Draco's dark green jumper lay on her bed. She slipped that on as well and climbed into bed. Hermione cuddled up inside her blanket... it had been cold out in the rain. The smell of the sweater reminded her of Draco. A sweet exotic smell that intoxicated her mind and soul when she was near him... she soon fell asleep as she thought of his stolen kisses and his warm embrace...
____________________________
Jadoreorli - Thanks, I hate too much fluffiness. But I also believe that Draco and Hermione should take their time in the romance. They are both in denial and are pretending to hate other. Don't worry... they make out and stuff and other things begin to evolve where Draco and Hermione realize that they do love each other. I think that is the fun part... watching to people who are madly in love with each other realize it!
Missjess- Haha you'll have to keep reading to find out who Hermione ends up with, but I think its blatantly obvious hehe. Thanks!!
Saturn's Candlesticks - I read your story a while back btw!!!! It was AWESOME! I love the home Hermione got to live in... it was so exotic.!! It was sad when her real parents died though hehe. I'm so glad you are reading my story!
Slytherinrules85 - I just started reading your fic btw, it's really good so far hehe
Potterspayne - thanks so much keep reading
alexian-goddess - haha don;t worry i won't abandon this fic... i just couldn't hehe tune in every weekend... I usually get it in by Sunday
sweetchild - i realized that it isn't too hard getting in a chapter a week... but then again I probably just jinxed myself lol! Thanks for reading
TriGemini - oh Draco deserves many slaps lol
Caitlin - Thanks a lot, keep reading
BbyChick - don't worry I'll keep adding more lol!
Shika - Thanks a lot! I hope my writing isn't too horrible
Amber - I am def gonna explore the Ginny/Harry angle, I have just been trying to explore it without losing the Hermione/Draco point of view. I think that point of view is very important. But I can get to Ginny and Harry through Hermione and Draco and that is what I did in this chapter. But you are a really good guesser and a lot of your ideas I was thinking of doing but not absolutely sure if I should... smart girll... hehe keep reading
Anariel Snape - Hey I send you that last tidbit of the chapter!
Jenna - thanks!
Imogenhm - thanks!
Hi Im Crazy - Yes I had to put in the spontaneous kissing... he has no idea what he is getting himself into lol
Come back next week guys
The two had not nearly spoken as much either. Hermione usually resorted to the library for homework and studying. Draco knew that this was because she was attempting to stay away from him.
Potion's had been the usual. Blaise was not an ardent potion's student... he spent most of his time terrorizing Hermione. After what had happened in the hall the day the love potion's were made, Draco and Blaise's friendship was on a fine line between enemies and mutual friends. Draco apologized to Blaise and he had accepted. Hermione did not see the advantages of that on her part. She felt even more vulnerable to Blaise's intent gazes without Draco's protection. She knew Draco had backed off and was in no mood to protect her.
Fortunately, Hermione's first few tutoring lessons with Blaise were supervised by Professor Snape who sat at his desk diligently failing Gryffindors and praising the Slytherins in their foot-long essays on the growth potion. Blaise still tried to make moves on her but it always ended up with Hermione kicking him in places he really did not want to be harmed. She knew one of these days Professor Snape would not be there to supervise and did not know what would happen then. Even if she went to Snape about her dilemma, he would dismiss it as a lazy excuse for getting out of a tutoring job. Blaise didn't even need any tutoring. He was very careless and did not take heed to anything, but he was still very skilled in the class and could easily pass without even studying. Hermione knew it was a waste of her time and just Blaise's excuse to annoy her even more.
Finally Monday had arrived and Draco and Hermione began to look forward to her first Animagus training. It was also the first time she would probably be speaking to Draco after a week of ignoring him... it would certainly be interesting.
Hermione had not exactly missed Draco... but she did definitely missed their bickering. It was as if she was used to it by now, and not having it anymore felt strange. Much to her denial... she missed the feel of his hands on her back and his surprisingly soft lips on her small neck. If the thought even swam up into her brain... she immediately drowned it and tried not to think of it.
Draco, however, had taken refuge with Pansy. He convinced himself that Pansy was able to fulfill the growing abyss that lay in his soul. He felt it... there was definitely something missing. He knew it was the Gryffindor girl that slept across the hall from him that could fulfill it, but again... he was in denial. Sometimes, he would catch himself staring at her in Transfiguration... it was unnerving actually. He didn't want to feel these things. He started to believe it was just a phase that would soon be over by Christmas...
Hermione awoke around 6 AM that morning and looked towards the french doors. She slipped out of the velvet covers that managed to get her lost in the bed and snuggled her feet in the fuzzy red slippers that Ron had given her for her birthday and walked towards the french doors. Opening the doors, she felt a cool breeze hit her face. It was a nice eye opener actually. She heard a door slam from the hall... Draco had claimed the bathroom. However, she wasn't too concerned with that. She walked out onto the balcony and put her hands on the banister. The sky was split into a few color schemes. Pink, gold, and purple brilliantly painted the morning sky. It was definitely a sight to see. The pink color of the sky faded into the glistening lake that lay beneath her tower. The air was extremely chilly and Hermione decided to go back inside. After picking out a new set of robes, Hermione headed for the bathroom. Hermione knocked on the bathroom door...
"Are you done yet??"
No reply... she knocked harder...
"Hello?"
"Dammit Granger, I'm showering, leave me alone..."
"You take forever..."
"Deal with it dirty blood"
"Didn't we have some sort of deal that prohibited you from saying things like that..."
"We agreed that I was not allowed to say Mudblood... I said dirty blood. Leave now... so I can enjoy the rest of my shower..."
Hermione crossed her arms together and audibly whispered...
"Insufferable bouncing little ferret..."
"I heard that...!"
Hermione heard the shower head turn off. Two minutes later, Draco walked out. Hermione looked at him up and down. Towel... wet... usual.
"You know your usual morning attire is getting quite old..."
"I do this just for you Granger... you know you like it" with that Draco winked.
She did... but he didn't have to know that...
"By the way thanks for noticing" Draco added in
He held out his arm and flexed.
"Ahh all those years of Quidditch...."
"You are so stupid"
"No I'm sexy" Draco said with a sly grin.
Hermione slapped him in the stomach with her toiletry bag. Draco doubled over...
"What was that for??"
"Your head blew up... and I needed to deflate it. You'll thank me later"
Draco scowled at her remark and left for his room, leaving Hermione to the bathroom. Hermione took a quick hot shower to fully awaken her. She quickly got dressed and headed for the common room.
The sun had fully risen and Hermione was sure it would be a nice sunny day. Well, at least the sun would make up for the chill that swept the halls of the schools. Hermione approached the common room and looked around... Draco had already left. Suddenly a low grumble was heard from her stomach and she felt that she needed to get to the Great Hall as fast as she could.
She climbed out of the portrait hole and quickly descended towards the Great Hall. The halls were a bit quiet and quite chilly... it was a bit unusual. Maybe she was later than usual.... Suddenly a pair or cold, hard hands grabbed her from the waist and pulled her into a crevice as she gasped. The person who had grabbed her wheeled her around and she realized that she was face to face with Blaise.
"Zabini let me go!"
"All alone... with a Gryffindor Mudblood... my dreams have come true"
Hermione struggled to get out of his grasp but it was useless...
"Snape nor Malfoy are here to save you Granger... you owe me a kiss..."
"I owe you nothing you prat!" She said as she punched his arm.
Blaise squeezed Hermione's arm and a sound of pain issued from her mouth. He had dug his hands into her arm. He quickly leaned in and kissed her hard on the mouth. Hermione tried to push him away but again it was completely useless..... but she then realized that she had other body parts available in her defense. Hermione lifted her leg and kneed Blaise between his legs as hard as she could. Blaise bent over and his face turned a bright shade of beet red. Blaise let go of Hermione and she was able to set herself free.
Her lips were a great shade of blood red. The kiss was so hard that it had cut her mouth from the inside with her teeth. She tasted the blood and anxiety and hurt ran through her mind. How was she going to survive this year with Blaise, Draco, and Harry on top of it? Tears slipped from Hermione's eyes... she sobbed as she aimlessly ran through the hallways.
Hermione was completely lost in her thoughts as she applied pressure to her lip and ran through the endless halls. Suddenly she felt herself run into someone and she was almost knocked off her feet until a pair of strong hands grabbed her from the back. Hermione looked up and saw a shot of steely gray eyes and almost white-blonde hair. She looked into his eyes. They had a glint of concern as he intently looked down at her. His hair fell into his eyes.
Draco looked into her fearful, big, brown eyes. They were glossy as she had been crying. She was still crying and he saw a tear trail down her cheek from her eyes. Her delicate lips were bright red and were tainted with a small cut. Draco let Hermione go. He felt an odd sensation creep up and he noticed how uncomfortable it was to be so near Hermione.
"What's wrong??"
Hermione tried to find the words... but she couldn't
"Who did this?" Draco said as he lifted his hand to touch Hermione's lips.
Hermione looked down to her feet. Tears slipped from her eyes. And then Draco realized. Only one person could make Hermione feel this uncomfortable and make her cry... Blaise.
Fire burned in Draco's heart. He felt like... like smashing Blaise's face in. But Draco had learned to control his emotions... he could not let things get out of hand like the last encounter they had. People would start to talk. Draco quickly grabbed Hermione's arm and started to head for their common room. It would be awkward to stand in that hallway and talk.
Draco and Hermione entered the common room and he led her over to the fireplace. Hermione had stopped crying by now but her rosy cheeks was streaked with tears. Draco looked at her face and searched it with his eyes. Hermione looked back and wondered with curiosity why he had brought her here. Classes would be starting...
Draco knew he couldn't hide it anymore, but he had to... The thought swirled in his mind as he looked into her deep brown eyes. The hurt she must have been going through bewildered his mind. She wasn't like the other girls. She actually cared, was so intelligent, and the most beautiful woman ever. Draco lifted his hand and traced her jaw line with his finger. He studied her features with precision. Her skin was soft beneath his hands and he felt a trail of goose bumps form on Hermione's skin.
Hermione shivered as he gently touched her. His eyes wandered across her face as she looked into his eyes. The hint of malice and hatred had disappeared and discontent and awe surfaced. He was worried... and she could see it. But why was he so worried about her?
It had been too long... a week in fact... he needed to hold her close...
Draco slowly leaned in to capture her lips with his. Hermione felt the anticipation build up as his lips touched hers. Draco took Hermione's face into his hands and gently kissed her, her hands trailed over his chest and around his neck. Draco deepened the kiss and ran his hands through her soft brown curls. The taste of her lips... and the feel of her closeness to him, it was as if everything had vanished. All that mattered was that she was in his arms, close to him, like never before. He had never felt this way about anyone before...
Goose bumps ran down Hermione's body as Draco kissed her. She intently kissed him back. This was her enemy, the boy she purely hated... the boy who made fun of her... everything about her. But he was kissing her too... as if...
...as if... he loved her.
Hermione gently pulled away from Draco....
"Why do you do this to me?" she breathed out loud
"I don't know..." Draco said as he whispered into her ear.
Something had hit Hermione... years of pain and hurt flashed through her mind as she looked up into his grey eyes. She abruptly pushed him away. Draco looked into to the spot where she was... dazed and confused. He looked up...
"What did I do wrong?"
"Everything..."
"What...?"
"What is this Malfoy? ....What are we doing? Why are you kissing me?"
"I... I don't know"
"You should. You're not supposed to even like me! You hate everything about me. I'm a Mudblood, a know-it-all, best friends with your worst enemy. What are you doing here kissing me like that?"
Draco looked down, not sure of what words to present to her. It had been a question that had run through his mind over and over again... but always left unanswered and came back asking for the answer once again.
Everything came back to him... everything he was supposed to stand for. His father, mother, his friends... everything. What was he doing? Did he actually like her? And then it hit him...
"You're right... I shouldn't be kissing you like I actually mean it. I DON'T mean it. It's all a mistake. You mean NOTHING to me. You are a hypocrite, know-it-all, and a filthy little Mudblood who doesn't deserve to be in my presence." He said as he laughed with malice. Trying to hide the hurt that glinted in his eyes as he said those words were so hard.. He wished he didn't say them as he watched a tear slip from Hermione's eyes and down her cheek.
"How dare you?" Hermione whispered. Her voice shook... She felt so hurt, so vulnerable. It hit her heart as she heard those words come from his mouth. She felt herself break into tiny pieces. She choked back a sob as she ran past Draco to her room.
He stood there a moment. Letting the words sink in. He couldn't believe he had said it. What was he thinking? Draco decided that he would skip his next class... he needed to resolve this. A Malfoy never left a problem alone... especially one like this.
He trekked up the stairs as he heard her door slam from above. He approached the door with caution and slowly entered. Hermione was curled up on her bed. He could hear great sobs heave from her chest. It had hit her hard... he didn't even mean it.
"Granger I..."
"Get out!"
Draco walked closer to the bed and sat down next to her. Not sure of what to say he lifted his hand and brushed away her hair. Her eyes were red from the crying.
"I didn't mean it... I'm sorry..."
"Draco Malfoy is apologizing to me?
"Granger I'm rightfully apologizing so shut up"
"You've apologized enough Malfoy, I don't need anymore because I know they won't mean anything in the end"
Draco took hold of Hermione's arm and pulled her up and positioned her so that she was facing him. Her face was hidden from her curly hair and she sobbed and sniffled. He lifted her hair out of her eyes.
"Hermione?"
He had said her name... it was so strange... but it was perfect.
"I'm sorry..." She looked into his eyes and saw the truth.
He leaned in and softly kissed her forehead. He moved down to her wet eyes and kissed them gently. Tears lay on his lips. He tenderly kissed her cheeks a few times. He stopped over her lips and hovered for a moment. He studied her face... her eyes were closed waiting for the kiss. He closed his eyes as well and kissed her lips. Her lips were warm and her face was wet from the tears. He could have lived in her arms if he could. He felt secure...
Draco gently lay Hermione down on the bed. She pulled her arms over his neck and Draco moved his hands to her waist. He hugged her as he kissed her. Hermione broke the kiss and pulled over to his side from underneath him. She lay her head on his chest. Draco pulled the covers from under himself and Hermione. He covered themselves with the velvety blanket and wrapped his arms around her so that she was secure. Hermione snuggled in closer to Draco. She could feel his chest move up and down... absentmindedly she counted his heartbeat. Draco stroked her hair for a while after that and quietly kissed her forehead... her breathing became steady. He looked down and she was in a peaceful state of sleep. Draco took hold of her hand and closed his eyes...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
A few hours had passed when Draco opened his eyes. He looked to the clock that was the right of him... they had missed two classes. There would be some explaining to do for sure...
He focused his eyes so that he could see straight... and felt someone on him. He looked down and saw a hand on his chest. It was pearly white and small...Hermione. He looked to her face and she was fast asleep. Her curls spread out before her. "Granger?..." He shook her.
"Granger wake up."
"Who..."
"We missed two classes"
Hermione shot upright and awake.
"We did WHAT?"
"Don't worry it's just two classes."
"What do you mean it's just two classes? We can't go skipping classes. It's not right. We are supposed to set an example!"
"Calm down Granger, you take things so seriously. One of these days you'll work your self to the brink of utter exhaustion."
Draco looked down. The two were still in the bed and under the covers. He felt Hermione's leg on his. Her hand still lay in his. They both looked up. It was an extremely awkward position. Draco immediately got up from the bed and straightened out his robes.
"We must have fallen asleep..."
"Smart Granger"
Hermione jumped out of bed and straightened her appearance.
"Um..." Hermione began.
"We should head for Care of Magical Creatures."
"You're right..."
With that Draco followed Hermione out the door and down to the common room.
"What will we tell them?" Hermione said.
"Excuse me?"
"I mean... we missed three classes. Our friends are probably wondering where we are. And watching the both of us walk in together... won't it be a bit weird?"
"Well I will say that I needed to lie down, and you can say that you needed to talk to McGonagall about something. Is that good?"
"Yes, I suppose"
Draco and Hermione headed for the portrait hole and climbed out. As they climbed out, they bumped into someone unexpectedly. It was Harry.
"Hermione! We've been looking all over for you between classes. Where have you been?"
"I... I was talking to McGonagall..."
"Oh I see... we should get a move on, we have Hagrid next" Harry said as he pushed in a stealthy glance towards Draco.
"And where have you been Malfoy, you haven't been to classes either..."
"Even though it is none of your business, I was taking a nap... didn't feel the need to go to classes." Draco said as he glared at Harry. Harry returned the gesture. Hermione felt very uncomfortable... she immediately broke the silence.
"Common Harry, let's go" She said as she grabbed his arm.
They walked towards the doors... Hermione looked back to see if Draco was following. He wasn't, instead he was looking back at her. He gave her a reassuring smile. Hermione blushed...
"Umm Hermione?"
"Yes Harry?"
"I have something for you..."
He stopped her as they neared the doors. Harry pulled out a velvet box and opened it up. Inside lay a delicate silver chain. The pendant was a silvery/pink rose with a small diamond in the middle.
"Oh... Harry..."
"If you don't like it, I can easily get you something else"
"No, no I love it... I just don't think you should have done this for me"
"No, I really should have. I love you."
A lump grew in Hermione's throat... the sound of those words were so unusual, especially since they were being presented to her. Harry took the necklace out and turned Hermione around. He pushed her hair back and clasped the two ends together. Hermione turned around as she touched the necklace. Harry bent down and gently kissed her cheek. As he kissed her cheek, Hermione felt someone come towards them.
"Hello Hermione... Harry" a girl with red hair said.
"Oh Ginny, how are you?" Harry replied to Ginny with a bright smile upon his face.
"Umm... I'm fine I guess" apprehension apparent on her face.
Hermione looked down the hallway and saw Draco walking up to the three Gryffindors. He had apparently waited so that he could keep a distance from Hermione and Harry. He approached them and began to speak.
"Oh, look at the merry little Gryffindors... having a nice time? A pauper, a egotistical hero, and a..." but the words couldn't come out. He could not say Mudblood. Instead he looked at her face with curiosity. What was she doing to him? Trying to ruin him?
"Oh go away Malfoy, we really don't need to deal with you right now"
"Weasley... keep your mouth shut, it's not lady like. But then again, no Weasley is a lady. Just look at your mother."
Ginny almost plunged into him before Harry grabbed her by the arms.
"No Gin, let's go... he's not worth it"
"You're right... he isn't" Ginny said as she looked up to Harry. The two of them set off for Hagrid's hut.
"You shouldn't do that Malfoy."
"Do what? I didn't say anything to you"
"No, besides me... you shouldn't even insult others. It hurts them... like it hurt me"
Draco averted his eyes from Hermione. He didn't want to be hypnotized by her brown eyes. He would end up wanting her even more... and in the middle of Hogwarts hallways... well that wasn't very smart. He looked to her neck. "I see he's given you a necklace?"
Hermione touched the rose pendant.
"Yes... he did"
Draco stepped in closer and took hold of it.
"Good taste... but I can do better..."
"What?"
"Does that Weasley girl like Pothead?" Draco said as he glanced over Hermione's shoulder. He watched Ginny and Harry walk towards the hut.
"No... she's over him. Why?"
"I don't think she is"
"And how should you know Malfoy? You barely know her. You're not right in everything you know" she said as she laughed.
"Didn't you see the look on her face when he... he kissed you? She's hiding it. I know how to recognize if a person likes someone or not."
"Oh I see, so can you see if I like you?"
Draco looked at Hermione...
"Everyone loves Draco Malfoy Granger..."
"Oh, is that so."
"Yes it is. And you especially."
"I do not think..."
But Draco moved swiftly past her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
The day passed unusually quickly. It was a sunny day but it turned out to be a dreary rainy one. It was after dinner and Draco had just had his Animagus training. They had just gone over rules and guidelines to becoming an Animagus. They would be registered once they had gone through necessary testing procedures.
Draco sat in the library. His feet propped up on the table. He read from a book that he had grabbed off the wall. He really had no purpose here, but was extremely bored and couldn't take any more of Crabbe and Goyle's stupidity.
As he read the book, he heard someone to the right of him walking through the aisle of books. It was Ginny Weasley. She looked a bit frustrated while looking for a book.
Draco would have fun with this... he got up and walked over to her. He wanted to investigate.
"What are you looking for Weasley?"
Ginny jumped up and looked at him.
"What someone usually looks for in a library... a book"
"Smart... smart. What book are you looking for?"
"Why do you care?"
"Just tell me and I'll get it for you."
"Quidditch through the ages volume three. Harry wanted it. I said I would get it for him"
Draco smirked. She really did have a think for that Potter kid. He looked to the other end of the aisle and pulled out a gold and black leather bound book He handed it to her. She looked at the book apprehensively.
"And why are you helping me?"
"Maybe I want to turn a new leaf..."
"I highly doubt that."
Ginny grabbed the book from Draco's hands and sat down in the nearest chair and opened up the book. She grabbed a few book markers from her bag. Draco walked over to the other side of the table and decided to sit down as well. After a few moments, Ginny looked up to see Draco staring at her... like he was trying to examine her innermost thoughts.
"What ... do you want?"
"I want to ask you a personal question"
"What?" Ginny was so confused... what the hell was he up to?
"You know Harry Pothead?"
"Potter..."
"Pothead."
Ginny slammed the book shut. "Malfoy what do you want. I want to read this in peace and when you start to insult my friends..."
"You mean crush"
"What?"
"You like Harry Potter."
"No I do not" Her face began to turn red.
"Yes you do"
"And why do you think I like Harry Potter. You don't even know me"
"I can see it when you look at him. It's obvious."
Ginny sat up. She had turned bright red.
"You are so annoying Malfoy..."
"Wait, wait. Don't leave. I know you like him and I can help you."
"Why would I ever want help from an annoying little Slytherin git like you?"
"Because I'm in the same position that you are in as well..."
"What?"
"That's right.... sit down. We can talk."
Ginny slowly sat back down. She kept her eyes on Malfoy... wondering what he was up to.
"And how are you in the same position as I am in?"
"Because you're precious Potter is in love with someone that I am involved with..." Draco could never say he was in love with Hermione... because he wasn't. Was he?
"Hermione...? Why would you ever be interested in Hermione?" Ginny whispered.
Draco broke his gaze away from Ginny's icy blue eyes. He got up from where he was sitting and walked towards the window that overlooked the Quidditch field. He saw Gryffindors swooping up and down the field in the twilight. The grounds had been enchanted to shower in light onto the Quidditch field. He saw a lone girl standing near the benches. She had bushy hair and was watching as the broomsticks soared above.
"How should I know"
"Is this some kind of a joke Malfoy?"
"NO... no it's not a joke. It's more than that." he balled his hand into a fist, not sure of what to say next.
"When I see him with her... I get..."
"What? Jealous?" Ginny answered for him.
"He already has her, why does he have to love her?"
"Do you... Love her?"
"NO... no. Well, at least I don't think so."
Ginny sat back down. Draco watched as she did this and sat down across from her as well.
"Why do you think I like Harry?"
"Because I saw the look on your face when you caught Harry kissing Hermione."
Ginny face turned a shade that was beginning to share the same color as her hair.
"So what if I like him..."
"We can help each other... if that's possible."
"How? Harry loves her. He barely even notices me..."
"We can fix that."
"How though?"
"You ask too many questions Weasley. We will think of something. In that mean time... you won't tell ANYONE that this conversation ever happened. To everyone else... I hate Hermione. You are the only one that knows how I feel. No one will know."
"Fine. But you can't tell anyone that I have feelings for Harry. If you spill it, then I will tell everyone that you like Hermione."
"Deal."
They shook hands. Ginny grabbed her bag and book and left. Draco walked towards the window again and looked out. It had started raining... the Gryffindor team started to land and gather up their things. He saw Hermione grabbing her things. An idea hit Draco suddenly.... and he bolted for the door. He wanted to see her before she came inside where the scrutiny lie. He needed to see her... he the feeling of her laying beside him. It was an burning desire...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
The rain began to hit hard on Hermione's face. She covered her face with her robes... by the time she would get inside her hair would be extremely puffy and frizzy. She watched as the Gryffindor team walk into the locker rooms. The girls on the team ran while the guys plucked out piece of grass and began to throw them at each other. Ron had grabbed Harry's glasses and put them on his head and was laughing like a maniac. Harry started swearing at Ron as Ron led Harry into the locker room. Finally they made it into the locker room. Hermione laughed out loud as she passed the seating area. She looked beneath the steps... it was dark and Hermione couldn't see anything. Spooked she began to walk past it, but suddenly a pair of hands grabbed her arms and pulled her in. She shrieked out loud until a wet hand was placed gently over her mouth. She looked up to the person that had startled her... it was Draco. His eyes looked down upon her as he held her close. His eyelashes were adorned with raindrops.
"Granger... it's me..."
"Malfoy... what do you think you're doing."
From the locker room, Hermione heard the door open. Harry stepped out half dressed to see who had screamed. Ron followed out.
"What's wrong Harry?" Hermione heard Ron say.
"Nothing... I just thought I heard someone screaming..."
"You hear a lot strange things mate that other people can't hear... you'd better get used to it..."
Hermione saw Harry slap Ron across the head and the door closed behind them. She looked back to Draco who still had his arms around her. His hair was a darker shade of blonde... he was soaked.
"I have to show you something..."
"Malfoy, it's raining. Why can't you pick another day?"
"No I have to show you now."
Draco grabbed Hermione's hand and took her away from the shelter that the Bleachers had provided. She felt the cold rain pour down onto her face. She pulled the lapels of her cloak tight around her neck. She realized that they were heading for the forbidden forest.
"We're not going in there are we?"
"Yes but not far in..."
"Malfoy it's almost till curfew. We'll get into trouble."
"Granger... we make the rules. We can be out as late as possible."
"Well we aren't exactly allowed to take advantage of that..."
Draco pulled Hermione into the forest.
"It's so cold..." Hermione whispered as they walked along the path... and then off.
"Malfoy we'll get lost... where are you taking me??"
"Close your eyes."
"In the forbidden forest? No!"
"Just do it."
"Why should I?"
"Trust me..." Hermione looked up at Draco and decided that he really wouldn't lead her into danger. She cautiously closed her eyes. Draco gently took a hold of Hermione's hand. He liked the feel of her hand in his... her hand was soft, small, and delicate. It fit perfectly into his own.
Hermione was led deeper into the forest for a few more minutes until Draco had abruptly stopped. It was still raining... but not as hard...
"Can I open my eyes now?"
"Yes..."
Draco let go of Hermione's hand as she opened her eyes. All around her were Jasmine's planted beneath her feet. The sweet smell filled her nose. She looked above and a clearing had been made. The stars glistened above and the moon smiled back down.
"Malfoy how did you find this place?" Hermione whispered.
"I had detention once for umm... doing unlawful activities in the Charms classroom... and I was sentenced to pluck Jasmines for Snape's potion making.
"Why did you bring me here?"
"I thought that maybe you would appreciate it. Not many girls care...." Draco said as he stepped in closer. The rain had stopped now... and a faint light from the moon shown onto them.
He moved in even closer and lifted his hand to brush away a lock of hair that fell into Hermione's eyes. He traced her jawline with his finger leaving a trail of goose bumps. He let his hand wander over her neck. He felt her soft, milky white skin beneath his fingers. Draco let his hand rest in the back of Hermione's neck. He gently pulled her into his arms and lay his lips upon hers.
Draco kissed Hermione intently. He drank her in. Hermione did not resist but she let her hands wander over his chest and she ran her fingers through his blonde locks. Without breaking the kiss he kneeled down, bringing her with him, and then lay down onto the bed of Jasmines. Draco lay his hands on her waist and they wandered over her stomach. His hands entangled themselves in her hair. He opened his mouth to intensify the kiss... he wanted her like this forever... no... he needed her or he would die.
Hermione let her hands hold onto Draco's robes and his hair for support as he kissed her. She felt limp and helpless. His lips wandered over hers and she felt a tingle shoot through her body. She pulled him onto her closer... not wanting an space between them. Draco's hands dropped down to the clasp of her robes... he undid them. He let his hands wander over her shirt and let them slip underneath the cotton fabric. Draco felt her skin upon his hand. A new sensation had arisen inside of him. His hand moved up across her stomach. He broke the kiss and began to trail down the side of her face and to her neck. Draco moaned audibly as he kissed Hermione beneath the ear. Hermione had never felt this way before... she began to get very hot and out of breath. The feel of his lips on her neck was just too much.
But before Draco's hand wandered above, Hermione stopped it with her own. He looked at her as she did this... wondering if he had done anything wrong. He realized then that this was Hermione... she was not ready for this. He removed his hand from underneath her shirt. He needed her so much... he needed to satisfy this erotic feeling that was pounding in his brain... and other places as well... but he was willing to wait.
"I'm sorry..." Hermione whispered... tears trailing down her cheeks.
"No... it's okay." Draco said as he wiped away her tears. He kissed her forehead and got up, pulling her into a sitting position as well. She looked down at the flowers beneath her as the continued on in silence. Draco took Hermione's hand.
"Hermione?"
"I'm... I'm just not ready. I don't even know what we are?"
"I know."
"You're not mad at me are you?'
Even though Draco would have liked it if he could have gone on... it would have definitely fulfilled his erotic feelings... but forcing her to do something she was not ready for was wrong in his eyes, especially since this was Hermione. He then began to wonder, had he ever done that before with a girl? Had he actually ever waited? Why was he doing this for her? Why hadn't he just done it?
"No I'm not mad Hermione..."
Hermione looked back down and began to play at the hem of her skirt. She sniffled. Draco could sense that she was relieved
"You keep saying my name?"
"I know..."
"We should get back... Draco..."
Draco looked at Hermione. She stole a furtive glance towards him as well. She looked cold as she shivered.... Draco took off her robe for her, since it was soaking wet. He then took off his own robe and pulled off his jumper which had been enchanted to stay dry during the rain. He gently slipped the jumper onto Hermione...
"Thank you..."
Draco plucked a blooming Jasmine from the ground. He ran the flower along her cheeks and jawline. Hermione closed her eyes as he did this. He kissed here cheek... and placed the Jasmine in her wet hair behind her ear.
Draco then stood up and held out a hand for Hermione... she accepted and he led her back towards the castle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
The journey towards the common room had been silent, but it wasn't an awkward silence. It was one that was meant to be there.
The two students headed for their rooms... The two exchanged goodnights and entered their rooms.
Draco lay on his bed wondering what would have happened if Hermione would have let him go on. The thought of what would happen made Draco grin widely.
Hermione got ready for bed as she slipped on her pajamas. Draco's dark green jumper lay on her bed. She slipped that on as well and climbed into bed. Hermione cuddled up inside her blanket... it had been cold out in the rain. The smell of the sweater reminded her of Draco. A sweet exotic smell that intoxicated her mind and soul when she was near him... she soon fell asleep as she thought of his stolen kisses and his warm embrace...
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Jadoreorli - Thanks, I hate too much fluffiness. But I also believe that Draco and Hermione should take their time in the romance. They are both in denial and are pretending to hate other. Don't worry... they make out and stuff and other things begin to evolve where Draco and Hermione realize that they do love each other. I think that is the fun part... watching to people who are madly in love with each other realize it!
Missjess- Haha you'll have to keep reading to find out who Hermione ends up with, but I think its blatantly obvious hehe. Thanks!!
Saturn's Candlesticks - I read your story a while back btw!!!! It was AWESOME! I love the home Hermione got to live in... it was so exotic.!! It was sad when her real parents died though hehe. I'm so glad you are reading my story!
Slytherinrules85 - I just started reading your fic btw, it's really good so far hehe
Potterspayne - thanks so much keep reading
alexian-goddess - haha don;t worry i won't abandon this fic... i just couldn't hehe tune in every weekend... I usually get it in by Sunday
sweetchild - i realized that it isn't too hard getting in a chapter a week... but then again I probably just jinxed myself lol! Thanks for reading
TriGemini - oh Draco deserves many slaps lol
Caitlin - Thanks a lot, keep reading
BbyChick - don't worry I'll keep adding more lol!
Shika - Thanks a lot! I hope my writing isn't too horrible
Amber - I am def gonna explore the Ginny/Harry angle, I have just been trying to explore it without losing the Hermione/Draco point of view. I think that point of view is very important. But I can get to Ginny and Harry through Hermione and Draco and that is what I did in this chapter. But you are a really good guesser and a lot of your ideas I was thinking of doing but not absolutely sure if I should... smart girll... hehe keep reading
Anariel Snape - Hey I send you that last tidbit of the chapter!
Jenna - thanks!
Imogenhm - thanks!
Hi Im Crazy - Yes I had to put in the spontaneous kissing... he has no idea what he is getting himself into lol
Come back next week guys